President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Attahiru Jega, the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as the co-chairman of the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms.

The announcement was made during the inauguration of the committee on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The committee’s mandate is to tackle obstacles to agricultural productivity and create new opportunities for farmers, herders, processors, and distributors within the livestock-farming value chain.

Tinubu emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts from public and private sector members, state governors, and all Nigerians for the successful implementation of the reforms.

President Tinubu stated, “When we have great opportunities in our states, why should Nigerians continue to experience conflicts? With the calibre of people that are here, this presents a unique opportunity to also delineate and establish a centric ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development.

It will give us the opportunity so that our veterinary doctors can have the necessary access to research and cross-breed. We can stop the wanton killings.”

He highlighted that the traditional method of livestock farming needs to be reviewed and repositioned with the support of stakeholders, including state governments, to unlock new growth and prosperity opportunities.

Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, for his role in “assembling experienced and reputable experts to ensure the activation of opportunities in the livestock sector.”

The President announced that the “Ministry of Livestock Development will be created to further explore the potential in the area.”